For each color belt test, a minimum requirement of 30 classes is required to be eligible to test for the next rank. Advancement in rank is awarded on the basis of technical proficiency and mastery of the material presented within each rank. In addition, you are required to be ready to demonstrate any or all techniques for ALL previous ranks. The previous ranks are the foundations for the next. The development and adherence to the martial art philosophy and the overall contribution of the individual are also considerations.

10th Gup (White)

Entrance Level

9th Gup (White/Stripe)

Tae Kwon Do — Basic Actions 1-9

Hap Ki Do — Basic Hand Escapes 1-5

Fighting Techniques — 1-5

Yu Do (judo) — Side Fall Positions 1-5

Punching — From Keymasay Stance, Jab, and Cross

Kicking — Leg Lift, Front Snap Kick, Inside & Outside Crescent Kicks

Moving Concentration – # 1

Recommended Reading – “Zen in the Martial Arts” by Joe Hyams

8th Gup (Orange)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Tae Kwon Do — Basic Actions 10-18

Poomse (forms) — Ki Bon Il Boo, Ki Bon Yee Boo, Pal Gwe Il Jung

Hap Ki Do — In Hand 1-5

Fighting Techniques — 6-10

Yu Do — Back Fall Positions 1-5

Kicking — Side Kick, Roundhouse Kick, Hook Kick

Hand Techniques — 1-5

Weapon — Nunchaku basic actions

Moving Concentration – #2

7th Gup (Orange/Stripe)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Tae Kwon Do — Basic Actions 19-27

Poomse — Pal Gwe Yee Jung, Ki Bon Som Boo

Hap Ki Do — Shaking Hand 1-5

Fighting Techniques — 11-15

Yu Do — Front Fall Positions 1-5

Kicking — Axe Kick, Back Kick

Weapons — Nunchacku #1

Moving Concentration – #3

6th Gup (Yellow)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Tae Kwon Do — Basic Actions 28-36

Poomse — Pal Gwe Som Jung, Pyuhn Ahn 1

Hap Ki Do — Cloth 1-5

Fighting Techniques — 16-20

Kicking — Spin Kick

Weapons — Nunchaku #2

Breaking — Judges Discretion

Moving Concentration – #4

5th Gup (Yellow/Stripe)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Poomse — Pal Gwe Sa Jung, Pyuhn Ahn 2

Hap Ki Do — Behind 1-5

3 Step Fighting — 1-5

Kicking — Jump Back Kick

Weapons — Kum Do Basic Actions

Breaking — Judges Discretion

Sparring — 1 person

4th Gup (Green)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Poomse — Pal Gwe Oh Jung, Pyuhn Ahn 3

Hap Ki Do — Two Hand 1-5

Judo Techniques — 1-5

Kicking — Jump Spin Kick

Weapons — Kum Do Il Jung

Breaking — Judges Discretion

Sparring — 1 Person

3rd Gup (Green/Stripe)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Poomse — Pal Gwe Yuk Jung, Pyuhn Ahn 4

Hap Ki Do — Embrace 1-5

Weapons — Long Stick Basic Actions, Long Stick #1

Breaking — Judges Discretion

Sparring — 1 Person

2nd Gup (Red)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Poomse — Pal Gwe Chil Jung, Pyuhn Ahn 5

Hap Ki Do — Sitting 1-5

Weapon — Kum Do Yee Jung

Breaking — Judges Discretion

Sparring — 1-2 People

*Required Reading — “Zen in the Martial Arts” by Joe Hyams

1st Gup (Red/Stripe)

All preceding requirements, plus:

Poomse — Pal Gwe Pi Jung, Ba Sai (Sip Sul)

Hap Ki Do — Laying 1-5

Weapon — Long Stick #2

Breaking — Judges Discretion

Sparring — 1-2 People

1st Dan (Black)

Perfection of color belt techniques

Time Period: Minimum 6-9 months period of 75 class hours continued education

Poomse: Chulgi , Koryo, Jung Sim Do

Hap Ki Do: Kneeling 1-5

Weapon: Jang Bong (Long Stick) #3

Breaking: Four-Break Combination or Judge’s Discretion

Sparring: Judge’s Discretion

Submission of a report on JSD, the martial arts in general, its techniques, applications, and philosophy, and how you have applied the aforementioned to you and your life.

Submission of a report regarding your growth as a martial artist, your reflections of the martial arts, and your contribution and influence to the martial arts community.

* Emphasis is on developing proper technique and ability. This goal should be first and foremost to all students. The ranking system should be the secondary goal.

** The final decision of whether or not a student is ready to test will be determined by the master instructor. Some students may complete the minimum testing requirements but still need more practice to attain their personal best (this is especially common at the higher belt levels).